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Deal.ai › Compare

Nothing Ear (open) vs Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

Buy the AirPods 3 if you use an iPhone and want spatial audio, Adaptive EQ and tight Siri integration. Buy the Nothing Ear (open) if you want an open-ear fit that keeps you aware of your surroundings, plus Google Assistant and Alexa support. Reviewers rate the AirPods 3 well for sound and comfort, while open-ear designs trade bass and isolation for all-day awareness.

  • Choose the Nothing Ear (open) if you want an open-ear fit for running and cycling that lets in traffic and ambient sound, and you use Android with Google Assistant or Alexa.
  • Choose the Apple AirPods 3 if you own an iPhone and want spatial audio, Adaptive EQ and hands-free Siri in a sealed in-ear design.

Prices

  • Nothing Ear (open): $99.00 at Nothing US (last seen Nov 11)
  • Apple AirPods 3rd Generation: $49.99 at Shop (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation is $49.01 cheaper than the Nothing Ear (open) at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 11)
Nothing
Ear (open)

Nothing Ear (open)

Ear (open)

4.8(4 ratings)
$99.00at Nothing USChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit Nothing US
Pros
  • Open-ear fit keeps you aware of traffic and people
  • Works with Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri
  • Same experience on Android and iPhone
  • Water-resistant for workouts
Cons
  • Weak bass and little isolation in loud places
  • Sound leaks out at high volume
  • No spatial audio
Apple
Apple AirPods 3rd Generation with Lightning Charging Case

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation with Lightning Charging Case

4.4(261 ratings)
$49.99at ShopChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Shop
Pros
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
  • Adaptive EQ tunes sound to your ear fit
  • Hands-free Siri and fast pairing on iPhone
  • Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 261 ratings
Cons
  • Siri only; no Google Assistant or Alexa
  • Best features are locked to Apple devices
  • In-ear seal can feel plugged for long wear

What separates them

Nothing Ear (open)Apple AirPods 3rd Generation
FitOpen-ear design that rests outside the ear canalStandard in-ear tips that seal the canal
Sound isolationMinimal; you hear your surroundingsPassive isolation from the tip seal
BassLighter, because little sound is sealed inFuller, helped by Adaptive EQ
Spatial audioNot offeredPersonalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
Voice assistantsGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa and SiriSiri only
Awareness of surroundingsBuilt in by design; safer on roadsNeeds transparency mode
Water resistanceRated water-resistantSweat and water resistant
EcosystemWorks the same on Android and iOSBest features need an iPhone

Price history

$169.99$42.00
Nov 2Nov 14
  • Nothing Ear (open): lowest $99.00 on Nov 5 at Walmart.
  • Apple AirPods 3rd Generation: lowest $42.00 on Nov 6 at eBay; $169.99 on Nov 14.

Prices at every store

Nothing Ear (open)

  • Nothing USNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $99.00Checked Nov 11
    Visit Nothing US
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $99.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $99.00Checked Nov 5
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $151.36Checked Nov 5
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

  • ShopNew

    Availability unknownSold by Shop app

    $49.99Checked Nov 7
    Visit Shop
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by ccgoodsmkt (0% positive, 0 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $79.99Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Reebelo USANew

    Availability unknown

    $95.98Checked Nov 7
    Visit Reebelo USA
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $107.31Checked Nov 5
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 22 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNothing Ear (open)Apple AirPods 3rd Generation
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorWhiteWhite
With Charging CaseYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
UseSportsSports
Assistant SupportGoogle Assistant, Amazon Alexa, SiriSiri
Water-ResistantYesYes
Impedance32 ohms—
With Adaptive EQ—Yes

What reviewers say

Nothing Ear (open)

Owners of open-ear earbuds like this generally value the awareness and comfort but accept weaker bass and less isolation than sealed in-ears. Nothing's Ear (open) draws similar comments: praised for fit and situational awareness, criticised for sound leakage and call clarity in noisy places.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedOwners say the hook-style fit stays secure through runs and long wear.
  • AwarenessPraisedUsers like hearing traffic, announcements and colleagues while listening.
  • BassCriticisedReviewers say low end is thin because the ear canal is left open.
  • Sound leakageCriticisedPeople nearby can hear the audio at higher volumes.

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

  • 4.4 / 5261 ratings

Owners rate these 4.4 out of 5 across 261 ratings. Most praise the comfortable fit, easy Apple pairing and spatial audio; the main complaints are the loose fit for some ears and the lack of noise cancellation.

What people mention
  • FitMixedSome owners find the open-fit shape comfortable, while others say it falls out or feels loose.
  • SoundPraisedReviewers like the balanced sound and the Adaptive EQ tuning.
  • Spatial audioPraisedListeners say head-tracked spatial audio makes movies and music feel wider.

Questions and answers

Which is better for running outdoors?
The Nothing Ear (open). Its open-ear design lets in traffic and ambient sound, which matters on roads and trails. The AirPods 3 seal the canal and need transparency mode to hear around you.
Which has better sound quality?
The AirPods 3. The tip seal and Adaptive EQ give fuller bass and a more balanced sound. The open design of the Ear (open) trades bass and isolation for awareness.
Do the AirPods 3 work well with Android?
They pair over Bluetooth and play audio, but you lose spatial audio, Adaptive EQ tuning and hands-free Siri. The Nothing Ear (open) gives the same features on Android and iPhone.
Which is better for noisy commutes?
The AirPods 3, because the in-ear seal blocks some surrounding noise. Neither has active noise cancellation, so loud trains will still get through on both.
Is the Nothing Ear (open) worth stepping up to over basic earbuds?
If awareness and an unplugged feel matter more than bass, yes. It adds assistant support across Google, Alexa and Siri plus water resistance, which basic open buds often lack.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
Apple rates the AirPods 3 for up to 6 hours of listening and about 30 hours with the case. Nothing's open-ear design is smaller, so expect shorter playtime per charge.

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More comparisons

  • Apple AirPods 4 with ANC vs Ear (open)
  • Noise isolationCriticisedThe open design lets in outside noise and leaks sound, and there is no ANC.